Vintage 1990s Memphis Belle B-3 Sheepskin Flying Jacket

In the summer of 1989, B-17 Flying Fortresses returned to RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire for the filming of Memphis Belle. To recreate the clothing of the wartime aircrews, British leather specialist Wested Leather Co. was commissioned to produce the A-2 and B-3 flying jackets for the production.

Dating from the 1990s, this remarkable jacket followed directly from that association. Made by the same British company responsible for the film's flying jackets, it is an exceptionally substantial example of Wested's Memphis Belle B-3, produced when the film and its imagery were still fresh in the public imagination. For anyone who remembers Memphis Belle, the enormous cream fleece collar, broad shoulders and dark brown sheepskin immediately recall the B-17 crews portrayed by Matthew Modine, Billy Zane, Sean Astin, Harry Connick Jr. and the film's ensemble cast.

The original B-3 was designed to protect aircrew from the extreme cold encountered inside unpressurised bombers at altitude, and the sheer substance of this jacket makes that purpose easy to understand. It is exceptionally heavy, made from thick sheepskin with dense cream fleece continuing throughout the body and sleeves. The huge flying collar can be raised and secured around the neck by twin leather straps and metal D-rings, while adjustable leather straps draw the jacket at either side of the waist. Turned-back cuffs expose still more of the deep fleece beneath.

Extensive dark leather reinforcement gives the jacket much of its character. Broad sections form the lower front and pockets, with further reinforcement following the centre fastening, shoulders, rear yoke and principal seams. More than three decades of wear have softened the brown exterior, producing lighter areas, natural creasing and variation across the surface, while the darker leather has retained greater depth.

Inside, the full sheepskin construction is exposed, together with Wested's distinctive black-and-gold woven label. It is a wonderfully substantial 1990s example from a British maker with a genuine connection to one of the most recognisable aviation films of its generation.

Condition & Restoration

Excellent vintage condition.

The sheepskin remains exceptionally strong, thick and supple, with dense, well-preserved fleece throughout. The exterior carries natural age-related creasing, rubbing and variation to the brown finish, particularly across the shoulders and sleeves. The contrasting leather reinforcement, straps and hardware remain in very good vintage condition.

The jacket has been professionally specialist cleaned in-house and subsequently conditioned in our workshop using our own Sheepskin Conditioning Cream, developed specifically for the care of vintage sheepskin. Its naturally developed wear and character have been carefully preserved.

Key Features

• Vintage 1990s Wested Leather Co. Memphis Belle B-3 flying jacket
• Made by the company commissioned to produce the A-2 and B-3 flying jackets for Memphis Belle
• Exceptionally heavy sheepskin construction
• Dense cream fleece throughout
• Oversized fleece flying collar
• Twin leather throat straps with metal D-rings
• Extensive contrasting dark leather reinforcement
• Reinforced lower front and pockets
• Reinforced shoulders and rear yoke
• Central metal zipper fastening
• Adjustable leather side waist straps
• Turn-back fleece cuffs
• Black-and-gold Wested Leather Co. woven label
• Made in England

Garment Measurements, Laid Flat

• Chest, armpit to armpit: 29"
• Shoulders, seam to seam: 26'
• Sleeve, shoulder seam to cuff: 28"
• Underarm seam to cuff: 22"
• Back length, base of collar to hem: 29"

Best suited to: 48" chest / Size 2XL, with a generous cut allowing comfortable room for layering. Due to the exceptionally thick fleece, the internal fit will be smaller than the external measurements might suggest.

For the best indication of sizing, please compare the measurements above with a similar jacket you already own.